While we at Local 853 confront the political and economic realities that challenge all unions and union families, we continue to focus on the bread and butter concerns for our members -- maintaining good contracts and benefits.

Contract Settlements

Thirty-three contracts covering about a quarter of our membership have come due this year. All in all, we've successfully negotiated good agreements -- without any takeaways. These contracts should supply enough money to take care of future health care costs and leave some room for wage increases. In a few cases, strike action became necessary to show the employer we were serious.

The biggest issue for all of our contracts, in a wide range of industries, has been the cost of the benefit "package". The package -- pension, health and welfare, holidays, sick leave and vacations -- often comes close to the hourly wage rate.

With the cost of health care benefits estimated to increase 15%-20% each year, the employers have resisted continuing to fully cover monthly premiums. Because of this, our members have looked for creative solutions. They've weighed the options of moving to health plans that have co-payments for doctor's visits and prescription drugs, versus making increased monthly payments to keep their current plans. In most cases they've concluded it is better to spend a little money when using the benefits rather than spend more every month on the contribution, whether or not they use the plan. This is a hard pill to swallow -- excuse the pun -- for our members, who enjoy one of the best health plans in the country.

Recently, members at Berkeley Farms chose to change health plans -- putting considerable money back into their pockets and making them among the highest paid dairy workers in the nation. Additionally, our Ready Mix members decided to change their entire method of health and welfare contributions, enabling them to move to a plan with better benefits.

As always, Local 853 has led the way to bring these options to the members so that they can make the important decisions for themselves and their families.

No on recall

California leads the nation in crazy politics. Right wing politicians have again succeeded in making Californians look like complete idiots. Just a few months after millions of dollars were spent to elect a Governor, now they want to spend $100 million to try to get rid of him.

This is a disgrace for the people of California and more importantly, a real threat to our membership.

Very simply, the recall is aimed at Governor Davis because of all the good things he has done for working people. He re-established the 8-hour day, improved unemployment compensation, disability and worker's compensation and supported prevailing wages among many other advances that we've supported.

Remember, every time you hear the "Terminator" talk about kicking out the "special interests" while delivering his lines -- excuse me, speeches -- he is talking about Unions. You can bet, if he gets elected, all of the worker rights and protections we have gained over the years will come under sever attack. Don't be fooled, Schwarzenegger is a very rich, very conservative right-wing nut who has Pete Wilson calling his shots.

We cannot let the people who continually attack worker's rights get away with this. For Local 853 members, for all Union members and their families, the answer is clear: we must support democracy and vote NO on the recall.

100 YEARS AND IMPROVING

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. Many of our sister Locals in Northern California are 100 years or older and played an important role in the establishment of the International Union. Local 853's history goes back a century, if we include the Locals that merged with us in recent years.

The Teamsters Union has shown many different facets over the years, with a very colorful and often controversial past. I am happy to say that the current facet may be the best yet.

General President Hoffa has restored the stature of the Teamsters Union and has brought a very divided union back together to tackle the tough problems that face all unions today. I am proud of the influence our Local has with the International, and proud to be a Teamster.

Fraternally,
Rome A. Aloise, Secretary-Treasurer

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